When choosing the best camera phones for our rating, we focus, in particular, on the rating of the very authoritative (in the relevant circles) network resource DxOMark. But we also try to take into account the reviews of ordinary users as fully as possible, giving preference to reviews on specialized threads of various forums. We hope that the following general information that can influence the choice of a specific camera phone model will be useful for inexperienced readers.
Other things being equal, Photosensors with larger elementary cells provide better images. At a minimum, the physical dimensions of the pixel should be greater than one micron (ideally, closer to 1.4 microns). In addition, a small matrix (1/3" or smaller) desperately needs high-aperture optics (at f/1.9 and higher). Otherwise, you can only dream of good image quality in low light conditions.
Recently, manufacturers are increasingly using clever multi-pixel matrices, using Quad Bayer or TetraCell technology. On the one hand, they allow marketers to talk about the incredible clarity of the resulting image (without saying that this requires ideal shooting conditions). On the other hand, they actually provide an increase in photosensitivity by combining four pixels and proportionally reducing the resolution.
Another modern trend is increasing the number of cameras, since a single module does not allow you to cover the entire variety of shooting modes. Recommendations are determined by your interests. For some, optical zoom is extremely important, others like to shoot panoramas, and some mobile photographers prefer the portrait genre with all the effects that come with it, such as bokeh. The “sad thing” is that a truly high level of quality is still achievable only with the main camera, and this is in the best case.
Without going into technical details, the more pixels, the more information that needs to be processed. Moreover, the existing dependence is far from linear. By the way, this is another explanation why budget smartphones take rather mediocre pictures. Yes, because flagships have better optics, cooler cameras, and more computing resources. And the prices are higher, unfortunately. And the recommendation here is simple - choose models on the latest hardware platform of at least the middle class.
WITH autofocus not everything is so simple, and it is impossible to give preference to a specific type. It is not surprising that some manufacturers are trying to implement all options in “one bottle”. It is now considered good practice to install an autofocus system not only in the main module, but also in auxiliary modules.
One of the main parameters of the classical photo flashes is the leading number - a quantity characterizing the power of the generated light flux. Alas, in relation to smartphones it is practically irrelevant, regardless of the number of available LEDs and their brightness. At best, we can talk about some help at a distance of a couple of meters to the subject.
Availability of opportunity save pictures in uncompressed format- a useful thing in itself, but it is extremely difficult to imagine a professional photographer armed with only a smartphone. As well as an amateur who is constantly engaged in serious post-processing of his photos before posting them on Odnoklassniki. Yes - good, no - not fatal.
And finally - optical or hybrid stabilization preferable to purely electronic.
As you can see, there is a choice, and quite diverse. We do not undertake to recommend any of the models with a price even lower. In principle, now most smartphones can take relatively decent pictures of stationary objects in good lighting conditions. More complex tasks require more expensive equipment.
Happy shopping!
Taking photographs is one of the main tasks of a modern smartphone. Therefore, when choosing a smartphone, many users pay attention not only to the screen size and performance of the hardware platform, but also to what kind of camera it uses.
But smartphone manufacturers produce hundreds of models every year, and most of them use the simplest possible camera. Because of this, finding a smartphone with a good camera can be difficult.
The Galaxy S line of smartphones has always been equipped with good cameras. Therefore, if you need a smartphone with a good camera, and you are willing to overpay a little for a well-promoted brand and flagship hardware, then the Galaxy S7 (or S7 Edge) will definitely suit you. This smartphone is equipped with a 12 megapixel rear camera with f/1.7 aperture. In addition to high-aperture optics, another feature of this camera is its fast operation. According to the manufacturer, it takes less than 1 second to start the camera.
As for the rest of the filling, everything is also very good here. The smartphone uses a 5.1-inch SuperAMOLED screen with a resolution of 2560x1440, an eight-core Exynos 8890 processor with a MALI T880 MP12 video accelerator (or Qualcomm Snapdragon 820), 4 gigabytes of RAM, and a 3000 mAh battery.
If you want to save a little money, you can purchase the previous year's model. The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S5 smartphones can still be found in stores. Their cameras are a little simpler than the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, but they're still better than most other smartphones.
OnePlus OnePlus2 is one of the most unusual smartphones that are presented in our rating of good smartphones. OnePlus2 offers the latest technical specifications, but at the same time costs significantly less than other flagship smartphones in 2016. But OnePlus OnePlus2 is distinguished not only by its powerful hardware platform, it also has a very good camera.
The OnePlus OnePlus2 camera is based on the Omnivision PureCel OV13860 sensor. Its resolution is 13 megapixels and its aperture is f/2.0. Also laser autofocus.
The technical characteristics of the smartphone are also at a very high level. It has a 5.5-inch screen with FullHD resolution, an eight-core chip with a clock frequency of 1.8 gigahertz and an Adreno 430 video accelerator, as well as a 3300 mAh battery.
The only downside is that the OnePlus OnePlus2 can be hard to find on sale, but you can always order it from China.
LG has almost caught up with Samsung when it comes to photography. And at the moment, the flagship model from LG is equipped with a camera of no less quality than the flagship from Samsung.
This quality of photographs was achieved thanks to the use of two cameras on the back of the smartphone. The first camera has a resolution of 16 megapixels and an aperture of F/1.8. It is equipped with laser autofocus and optical stabilization. The second camera has a resolution of 8 megapixels and f/2.4 aperture. This second camera allows you to take wide-angle shots at an angle of 135°. Apart from these two cameras on the back of the device, there is also a front camera for selfies. Its resolution is 8 megapixels.
But, and this is not all the photo features of this device. The LG G5 SE smartphone has a modular structure, thanks to which you can connect an additional photo module called CAM Plus.
Technically, the LG G5 SE is the flagship smartphone of 2016. It uses a 5.3-inch screen with a resolution of 2560x1440, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 processor with eight cores and an Adreno 510 video accelerator, 3 gigabytes of RAM, and a 2800 mAh battery.
In addition, last year's flagship, the LG G4, is still available for sale. This smartphone is equipped with a fairly good camera with a resolution of 16 megapixels and F/1.8 aperture.
Lumia 950 is a new product for 2016 from Microsoft. This smartphone has a large number of interesting features. For example, the new Windows 10 Mobile operating system and a good camera based on the Carl Zeiss PureView photo module. This camera is equipped with high-aperture Carl Zeiss optics (F/1.9 aperture) and a resolution of 20 megapixels.
Other technical characteristics of the smartphone include: a 5.2-inch display with a resolution of 2560×1440, a six-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chip with a frequency of 1.8 gigahertz and an Adreno 418 video accelerator, 3 gigabytes of RAM, and a 3000 mAh battery.
The Huawei P line of smartphones has been in production for many years and has many fans. The main difference of this line has always been the thin metal body. But Huawei P9, which is the latest representative of this line, also distinguished itself with a good camera.
Like the LG G5, this smartphone has two cameras on the back of the device. These cameras were developed with the participation of Leica and have a resolution of 12 megapixels. The main feature of these cameras is that one of them is color and the other is black and white. Thanks to this combination of two cameras, you can take very high-quality pictures in low light conditions. In addition to this dual camera system, there is also a front camera. Its resolution was 8 megapixels.
Other characteristics of the Huawei P9 include: a 5.2-inch screen with FullHD resolution, an eight-core HiSilicon Kirin 955 chip with a Mali-T880 MP4 video accelerator, 3 gigabytes of RAM and a 3000 mAh battery.
But everyone’s cameras are different - and all manufacturers vying with each other to claim that theirs is the best. In this case, how can you choose a smartphone with a good camera - and not make a mistake? We decided to check how the 2016 flagships actually take pictures in different shooting conditions.
To begin with, a few words about each of the smartphones we selected.
It goes without saying that when mobile photography is mentioned, the proud hashtag #iphoneonly comes to mind. Indeed, the camera on the iPhone is a cool thing! A 12 megapixel matrix and f/2.2 aperture optics, complemented by an optical stabilization system, make all the difference when it comes to shooting in any conditions.
You can shoot with it only in the mode - as the smartphone wishes, because the user is not trusted with any manual control mode, or even the simplest settings. There are, of course, third-party applications for controlling the camera, but we are evaluating the custom option, which the user receives without unnecessary hassles and searches. Therefore, objectively think about what is more important to you - high-quality instant photography with auto settings or options for settings, for which you should kindly go to smartphones on Android.
The highlight of the Huawei P9 is the presence of a monochrome camera, but since other smartphones don’t have it in principle, no comparative pictures were taken. It is needed mainly to make the picture more contrasty and clear, especially in low light conditions. The matrix in both cameras is 12 megapixels, optics with an aperture ratio of 2.2, so photographs are obtained well even in relatively dark conditions.
There is a separate “Pro” mode, which allows you to adjust such important shooting parameters as ISO, shutter speed, and also manually select focus.
The cameras in Samsung flagships have long been the almost undisputed leader in quality among all smartphones. The Samsung S7 has a 12 megapixel camera with extremely fast f/1.7 optics. In addition, the camera is equipped with an optical stabilization system, so taking pictures at night is just the S7's strong point.
The settings options in manual mode are no less than those of the Huawei P9 - with a certain amount of knowledge about photography, you will get pictures that are head and shoulders above standard photos in auto mode.
Sony has the largest sensor in our selection - 23 megapixels compared to modest 12-16 megapixel sensors of competitors seem to be the ultimate dream of a photographer, because bigger is better!
In fact, the camera is really good, but, like the iPhone, it is absolutely devoid of any settings, even in the so-called “pro mode”. The only variable setting in it is ISO - it is set manually only at a resolution of 8 megapixels. And if you have a 23 megapixel sensor, you don’t want to reduce the photo quality to 8. So in photographs we completely rely on automation.
The LG G5 is distinguished by two main cameras at once: the first, “most basic” one - with a 16 MP sensor and f/1.8 lenses, the second, additional one - simpler - with an 8 MP sensor, designed for shooting panoramas thanks to a wide-angle lens.
To please all customers, there are three interface modes - without settings, basic settings and professional. Pro mode gives you access to a large number of settings.
Testing
For the purity of the experiment, all photographs were taken in automatic mode, because the degree of adjustment for Sony and iPhone is much less than for the other three participants in our selection, and we are interested in the most objective comparison of smartphone cameras.
We decided to test four key areas for using the main camera of a smartphone - landscape photography, macro and product photography, and portraits. By comparing the results of each camera in these situations, you can choose a smartphone for landscape travel photography, shooting unrealistic macro shots, or maintaining the perfect hipster Instagram with coffee and product photography.
We did not include shooting at night in our list because for good results it requires additional accessories, and handheld shooting, even with good optics and the photosensitivity of the matrix in a smartphone, is still far from ideal. And few people will purposefully buy a smartphone for the sake of beautiful night photography.
Scenery
The Huawei P9 and iPhone 6s plus handled the landscape best - even with a significant zoom in on the finished image, the foliage on the trees remains clearly distinguishable, but Samsung, LG and Sony produced a similar undetailed picture.
Smartphone Huawei P9 Black
In terms of direct picture quality, iPhone and Huawei are also leaders - they have the widest dynamic range in the photo, the sky is not overexposed, and the shadows do not look like black gaps, even without using the HDR mode. Such a picture itself is ready for publication on Instagram without the use of additional filters, and during post-processing, due to the absence of overexposure, it gives the mobile photographer more scope for retouching.
Macro
All smartphones did an excellent job with macro photography. The main difference was in the minimum focusing distance - Samsung and Huawei took first place, but the Sony Z5 was ready to focus furthest from the subject.
Samsung and LG show the most impressive results in terms of focusing accuracy, photo sharpness and depth of dark colors, while color reproduction is most correct in photos from Samsung and Huawei. For some reason, Sony's auto settings made the photo oversaturated and too bright, so that the white petals became blown out. Perhaps this is a one-time situation, however, in the absence of the ability to adjust the image, auto mode failures are extremely undesirable for the user.
Smartphone Apple iPhone 6s Plus 16GB Space Gray
Smartphone Huawei P9 Black
Samsung Galaxy S7 Flat G930 Black
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Dual E6883 Black
Smartphone LG G5 SE H845 DS Titan
It is also worth noting that when manually focusing, the image in the Samsung galaxy S7 is scaled to correctly select the focus point - so you definitely won’t miss! No other smartphone offers this magical option. In macro photography, this is very important for placing accents in the photo, especially given the “habit” of the smartphone to focus further or on larger objects.
Object shooting
At different aperture values, the depth of field turns out to be approximately the same, so chasing numbers in this case is more or less useless. The product photographs taken separate the subject from the background equally well, so that the image turns out expressive and three-dimensional.
Smartphone Apple iPhone 6s Plus 16GB Space Gray
Smartphone Huawei P9 Black
Samsung Galaxy S7 Flat G930 Black
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Dual E6883 Black
Smartphone LG G5 SE H845 DS Titan
Huawei, Samsung and iPhone cameras demonstrate the highest level of detail and image clarity at the edges of objects. The Sony camera is characterized by excessive noise reduction even at low ISO values, which is why the image “floats” when viewed closely, while the Huawei camera in auto mode makes the image a little oversaturated. Such minor flaws are easily corrected during photo post-processing using almost any editor.
Portrait
The Samsung camera did the best job with portraits, especially considering the difficult shooting conditions - direct sunlight and the white “skin” of our model. The model is drawn clearly, with a precise outline separating it from the background.
Smartphone Apple iPhone 6s Plus 16GB Space Gray
Smartphone Huawei P9 Black
Samsung Galaxy S7 Flat G930 Black
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Dual E6883 Black
Smartphone LG G5 SE H845 DS Titan
The LG and Huawei cameras performed best in terms of exposure compensation, avoiding unnecessary overexposure of the illuminated areas, although I would still give the first place in this parameter to the LG camera for its high-quality shadow processing - in Huawei they became less saturated. When using the advanced shooting mode, you can eliminate this shortcoming by slightly reducing the shutter speed so that the photo as a whole becomes a little darker.
Results
As you can see, each camera has its own shooting features. This needs to be taken into account when you choose a smartphone specifically for the purpose of succeeding in mobile photography.
For portraits and product photography, you should definitely pay attention to the Samsung Galaxy S7; the LG G5 SE and Huawei P9 also perform well in this genre.
For those who focus on photographing distant objects and landscapes, and are also interested in travel photography, we recommend taking a closer look at the iPhone 6s Plus and Huawei P9. They deliver great image detail for panoramas and distant subjects, and handle direct sunlight and low-light shooting well, so you can count on your smartphone camera whenever you need it.
Depending on the degree of your trust in the auto mode, you can divide smartphones for fans of “full automatic” - iPhone 6s Plus and Sony Z5 - and fans of manual settings - Huawei P9, Samsung S7 and LG G5 SE. The convenience of the latter is that they also have an automatic mode, so you can use them either way.
The camera in a mobile phone is used to take pictures, allows you to quickly save the necessary information and read the QR code when installing a special application. Those who like to communicate on social networks often take photographs to post them on their pages, which is much more important to them than talking on the phone. Therefore, equipping the device with a good digital camera with advanced characteristics is of primary interest to them. Let's look below at the top five smartphones of 2016 equipped with the best cameras.
Smartphone LG G5 H860N
LG G5 H860N is a high-quality device from a South Korean manufacturer, equipped with two cameras that provide wide-format shooting mode. This smartphone is designed taking into account the shortcomings of the previous 2015 model. The device received a high percentage of excellent ratings in Yandex Market and today represents the best model, the high quality of which is combined with an acceptable cost. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of the LG G5 H860N.
- Design and screen. A classic design gadget in a metal case of standard dimensions 73.9x149.4x7.3 mm. Available in gold and silver, it has a matte hard surface that is resistant to fingerprints. The device's screen is touchscreen, with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, diagonal - 5.3 inches. The display automatically rotates, and the number of pixels per inch is 554. Multi-touch responds to multiple simultaneous touches.
- Memory and processor. LG G5 H860N with Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 quad-core processor. 4 and 32 GB - the amount of RAM and internal memory, respectively. The device also has a memory slot.
- Camera. The resolution of the main camera of the device is 16 million pixels, and the aperture size is F/1.8. The gadget is also equipped with a front camera with 8 million pixels and a wide-angle (second) camera with a viewing angle of 135 degrees with the same number of megapixels. The second camera is located on the back panel next to the main one. Pictures are taken simultaneously with two cameras, allowing you to choose the best one.
- Nutrition. The model has a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 2800 mAh. A fast charging function is provided.
- Other possibilities. The smartphone features a modular design that allows you to replace the battery in a few seconds thanks to the Always On Display function.
The device attracts with its interesting design, excellent functionality, and the ability to take pictures from the front camera and two main cameras. The device also features a quick response to touches, the ability to use a removable battery, and an affordable price of approximately RUB 27,390. Device weight 159 g.
See the video review of the device below:
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge 32Gb is a flagship gadget with two SIM cards, which perfectly combines glass and metal. The unique design features an aluminum frame, a reflective dual-curved display and a glass back. Its 12 megapixel camera starts up in 0.7 seconds and takes high-quality images. The high pixel density of the device provides a rich picture in sunny weather, and thanks to autofocus, you can get clear pictures of moving objects. Let's take a closer look at the parameters of this smartphone:
- Design and ergonomics. Externally, the Galaxy S7 edge 32Gb is radically different from its predecessors, since only glass and metal were used in the manufacture of its body. The front and back panels of the device are protected from scratches and minor damage by Corning Gorilla Glass. The device is ergonomic. Although its panels are smooth, it can be operated with one hand. Even if you accidentally touch the side parts of the screen during operation, they are blocked by the program.
- Display. At the moment, only Samsung uses convex screens in its devices. In this model, the 5.5-inch screen with a resolution of 2560x1440 is curved on both sides, which ensures symmetry of the front panel. This innovation gives the gadget a sophisticated and elegant look. Volumetric highlights on the sides of the display make the design beautiful and unusual. Your device displays notifications for unread messages, which may vary in color depending on the contact. The user chooses the shade independently. The display shows the date and clock, as well as information from other channels.
- Performance and OS. The smartphone is equipped with the Exynos 7420 platform, which is characterized by high efficiency and performance. It runs on two groups of ARM Cortex-A53 and A57 cores with frequencies of 1.5 and 2.1 GHz, respectively, and supports 64-bit computing. The gadget is equipped with Android 6.0 Lollipop with TouchWiz shell.
- Memory. The smartphone has 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, and its power consumption is 40% lower than its predecessor. The volume of built-in memory is 32 GB. The device accepts memory cards up to 200 GB.
- Camera. The main camera is 12 megapixels with LED flash and autofocus, the front camera is 5 megapixels without an automatic autofocus system. Both cameras have fast lenses. These cameras produce high-quality images with realistic hues, excellent sharpness and contrast, even in poor lighting.
More information about the device in this video:
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is an improved model of the Sony Xperia Z5 with a 4K display. This is the first owner of such a screen in the world, which makes it unique. A device with a beautiful design and a waterproof housing that can be used even with gloves. The smartphone is distinguished by high autonomy, fast charging and a wide choice of colors. Let us further analyze its technical parameters.
- Design, weight, dimensions. The device is distinguished by its large dimensions - 155.5x76 mm, thickness 7.8 mm and considerable weight - 181 g, but it looks quite attractive, has strict straight lines without curves. Unlike its predecessors, it has a flat side frame made of steel. The glass of the gadget has an oleophobic coating, but it is still very easily soiled, so the body quickly becomes covered with fingerprints. There are no hardware keys on the front panel of the gadget. Available in gold, silver and black colors.
- Display. Xperia Z5 Premium is equipped with a 5.5-inch IPS screen, the physical dimensions of which are 68x121 mm. The display resolution is 3840x2160, with a density of 806 ppi. This density is twice that of many smartphones. Screen brightness is adjusted automatically. The presence of a proximity sensor ensures that the screen is locked when the smartphone is brought to the ear. Multi-touch technology allows you to process up to ten simultaneous touches. The smartphone is sensitive to wet fingers and gloves.
- Sound. The device did not impress with the sound quality, although it is clear. The device lacks power and volume because it has waterproof seals. In headphones, the sound is louder and brighter, but does not have crystal clarity and a wide range of frequencies. The speaker accurately conveys the intonation and timbre of the interlocutor's voice, and the noise suppression system also works well. The gadget supports FM radio.
- Camera. A device with 5 and 23 megapixel digital cameras. The 5 MP front camera copes well with the selfie function, has a 25 mm wide-angle G Lens and f/2.4 aperture. Main camera with fast lens and f/2.0 aperture. In good lighting conditions, the camera produces excellent image quality, delighting smartphone users with remarkable sharpness, contrast and true-to-life tones. The gadget records video in 4K format.
- Operating system, memory, performance. The device has Android 5.1 OS installed. There are 32 and 3 GB of permanent and RAM respectively. The gadget runs on the eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC platform.
- Autonomy. A device with a non-removable 13.03 Wh battery retains its battery charge for two days with infrequent use, and for one day with frequent use, which is also not bad.
Video review of Sony Xperia Z5 Premium here:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro 32Gb differs from the Note 3 version only in a few new features, but they are quite significant. The gadget is made in a practical and attractive metal case and is equipped with a more capacious battery. High quality workmanship and reasonable cost of this model ensure high consumer demand for it. Let's consider below what technical characteristics are inherent in this smartphone:
- Design, dimensions, weight. The device has a streamlined shape with rounded corners, and has glass without bulges. The side inserts of the gadget are made of plastic, which ensures its protection during impacts, and its remaining parts are made of aluminum. The device is quite durable, but glides more than in previous models. Model dimensions - 150x76x8.6 mm. Weight - 166 g.
- Screen. The device has a 5.5-inch touch screen and physical dimensions of 68x121 mm. Note 3 Pro 32Gb with automatic brightness adjustment, proximity sensor, multi-touch technology. The screen has good viewing angles, and the colors are highly saturated, which can be reduced by selecting the Standard profile in the settings.
- Sound. The device has a clear and loud sound, but the low frequencies are almost not felt in it. The volume reserve is not the greatest. The speaker transmits the voice of the interlocutor without distortion. A special feature of the smartphone is the ability to record conversations from the line.
- Camera. Note 3 Pro 32Gb with 5 and 13 MP cameras. Shooting with the front five-megapixel camera is done using two hardware buttons that are located on the side of the device without the help of a fingerprint scanner. The video camera copes with its function perfectly, providing a detailed, jerk-free, high-quality image.
- OS and software. All the manufacturer's devices use the MIUI 7.0 shell, installed in the model in question on top of Android OS 5.0.2.
- Memory, processor. Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro 32Gb has 3 and 32 GB of RAM and permanent memory, respectively. Smartphone with 8-core ARM Cortex-A53.
You will learn more about Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro from this story:
Lenovo Vibe X3 is a stylish smartphone from a Chinese company, one of the five leading mobile technology manufacturers. The device pleases with a large number of options and an excellent musical component. The equipment of the device with stereo speakers gives it the functions inherent in a home theater. Let us highlight the main technical characteristics of the gadget.
- Design, weight, dimensions. The gadget, made of aluminum and glass, gives the impression of a solid and high-quality item. It is distinguished by its monolithic assembly, resistance to scratches and various damages. The weight of the device is 175 g with a thickness of 9.3 mm. Dimensions 154x76.5 mm.
- Display. The device features a large 5.5-inch display. The range of colors in the device is adjusted manually, and the brightness has a wide range of adjustment. Multi-touch technology supports 10 clicks simultaneously. The screen is protected from scuffs and scratches by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Screen resolution is 1920x1080.
- Interface and software. The device is equipped with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with a proprietary Vibeui setting. Its peculiarity is the absence of a main menu and the location of shortcuts on the desktop. But the user can also optionally set the traditional interface format containing the main menu.
- Memory, processor. A device with a six-core processor. Flash memory capacity - 32 GB, RAM - 3 GB. Lenovo Vibe X3 is equipped with a 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 808 processor.
- Camera. A gadget with a 21 MP main camera and autofocus, an 8 MP front camera and constant focus.
- Sound. The smartphone is equipped with three amplifiers on chips and front-facing stereo speakers that provide surround sound. When you connect headphones, a professional audio processor provides a wide range of sound and plays music files of any format.
We hope that the five smartphones with ideal cameras described in the article will help buyers choose a gadget based on their own preferences. The camera phone models discussed above are certainly worthy of attention. They differ in performance and have different technical parameters, but each of them is equipped with a perfect camera, using which it is possible to take wonderful pictures.
Review the smartphone in more detail in this video:
Mobile technologies have become an integral part of our lives. One device that fits easily into a pocket combines a notebook, a cell phone, a mobile browser and a camera. Of course, smartphone manufacturers, despite all the versatility of gadgets, still focus on some option in order to make it a feature of this device. Today we will look at camera phones, or, more simply put, phones with a good camera. When choosing such devices, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- The resolution of the main camera is responsible for the sensitivity of the built-in photocell. The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the photograph, all other things being equal. Modern camera phones have a photo module with a resolution of 8 megapixels or more.
- The focal length determines the width of the camera's viewing angle. The smaller it is, the wider the area the camera can cover.
- Sensor size – the larger it is, the better the image quality. This is explained by the fact that manufacturers can apply many modern technological solutions to a larger element, which will have a positive effect on the parameters of the finished photo.
- The presence of stabilization allows you to compensate for hand shake when shooting. This is one of the parameters that directly affects the quality of the photograph.
- Autofocus is another one of the most important camera parameters. It not only allows you to increase the sharpness of individual objects in the photo, but also helps to correctly distribute the light directly during shooting. More expensive devices use laser autofocus, the speed of which is an order of magnitude higher than usual.
- Camera app functionality. As a rule, the software installed by the manufacturer works best with a photo module, so it is important that it has a good set of options, such as HDR, shutter speed, timer, ISO and others.
The best inexpensive camera phones: budget up to 10,000 rubles.
4 DOOGEE X60L
Bright aperture F/2
Country: China
Average price: 6149 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
An ultra-budget third-tier phone with a surprisingly powerful camera. The main camera consists of two models with a resolution of 13 and 8 megapixels. The F/2 aperture size allows you to capture more light, which means you can take more detailed and noise-free images, even in low light conditions. There is autofocus, but optical stabilization is not included.
The front camera is simpler - 8 megapixels without frills and an F/2.2 aperture. Reviews for the model are contradictory - as good as the camera is, the software is just as bad. The firmware is frankly crude, the processor is only enough for routine tasks. But if you need a camera phone at an inexpensive price, this is the best gadget that is as cheap as possible.
3 Meizu M5s
Best price
Country: China
Average price: 6920 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.3
The bronze medalist's predecessor, the M3s, was criticized by many for its mediocre image quality. This flaw was corrected in the newcomer, and now we have a really very good smartphone. The quality of pictures from the 13 MP (f/2.2) main camera is usual for this price range: no complaints during the day, noise appears in the evening. But the front camera pleased me: the pictures are clear, the color rendition is good.
In terms of performance, the M5s lacks stars. The MediaTek 6753 processor ensures smooth operation of the interface, fast performance of applications and casual games. But don't count on mobile 3D gaming. But the presence of 3 GB of RAM in the 32 GB version of the phone is encouraging - applications are unloaded from memory much less often, which improves overall performance. Finally, the advantages include the metal body, traditional for Meizu smartphones.
2 Meizu M6T 3/32GB
Monochrome module
Country: China
Average price: 7520 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The manufacturer followed the path already trodden by Huawei: it combined color and monochrome modules in the main camera. This combination produces better results due to the fact that the monochrome device captures more details and shades. Then the pictures – color and black and white – are superimposed on each other, and the user sees a clear, contrasting and high-quality picture on the screen. The operating range of the modules is also different: in the first F/2.2, in the second – F/2.8. It is the second module with an increased “aperture” number that is responsible for blurring the background. The resolution of the main module is 13 megapixels, the additional one is content with 2 megapixels.
The front camera cannot boast of outstanding abilities - it has 8 megapixels in its arsenal without autofocus and other amenities. Reviews for the smartphone are good - many call the model the best camera phone in a budget of up to 10,000 rubles.
Give me more Megapixels!
When choosing a smartphone with a good camera, do not go for high resolution (megapixels). A resolution of 12 megapixels is more than enough, unless you are going to use the photo in professional. purposes. Everything above is pure marketing. Even the most modern 4K TV has a resolution of just over 8 megapixels. It turns out that you simply cannot evaluate the real quality of a photo taken with a 16 megapixel camera.
Pixel size
Clearly, the more important characteristic of a smartphone camera is the pixel size. Specified in micrometers (µm). The higher this indicator, the better. A camera with a pixel size of 1.2 µm will produce sharper images than a camera with a pixel size of 1.0 µm. There is only one problem - it is not always possible to find a pixel size indicator in the standard list of phone characteristics.
Aperture number
Aperture is a device in a camera lens that controls the size of the lens opening through which light passes. The more light that can enter the photo matrix, the clearer the photo will be. A lower aperture number will generally indicate a higher quality camera, capable of taking good pictures even in low light conditions. A camera with an aperture of 1.7 should definitely take sharper pictures than a camera with an aperture of 2.2.
Optical stabilization
Optical stabilization helps smooth out hand shake, which can often cause blurry photos. The function turns out to be more useful when photographing with high magnification or long exposure times (the hand begins to get tired and “shaking” appears). A special sensor detects any slight shifts of the lens and sends a signal to the actuator, which returns the image to its original place. The presence of optical stabilization significantly increases the cost of a smartphone.
1 Xiaomi Redmi S2 3/32GB
The best front camera. Dual main camera
Country: China
Average price: 9200 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
Budget smartphone with dual camera. The second module is not a prop – it has 5 megapixels and can blur the background and highlight bokeh. The resolution of the main module is 12 megapixels. The working 12+5 megapixel frame creates beautiful, aesthetic pictures. This is a high-quality lens from Sony with autofocus and F/2.2 aperture. As a bonus to all this, there are advanced settings for the standard camera application. There are various filters, shooting modes - portrait, panorama, square photo, manual (white balance and ISO are adjustable); scripts, timer, leveling and improver.
But the main advantage of the smartphone is the front camera. The letter S in the model name indicates that the gadget belongs to the line of selfie phones. There is a 16 megapixel front module with a built-in flash. The selfies come out to be of high quality: permission is more than enough for posting on social network accounts. Automatic focusing was not provided. In the reviews, users note that they are completely satisfied with the photographic abilities of the Redmi S2 and are surprised at the inexpensive price for such a suitable camera phone.
The best camera phones: budget up to 20,000 rubles
4 Motorola Moto E5 Plus 32GB
Laser autofocus
Country: China
Average price: 10,705 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
This is a budget smartphone with a simply good camera. There are no frills like a dual module, and high quality frames are achieved thanks to fast and accurate laser focusing and a 12 megapixel module. F/2.0 aperture, shoots video at 30 frames per second.
The front camera here is formal. 5 MP is enough for video calling, but not enough for aesthetic selfies. It's a stretch for the Moto E5 Plus 32GB to achieve the title of camera phone. This is a smartphone with harmonious features for a wide range of people and with a slight emphasis on the main camera. Finding a budget phone with laser autofocus is a big success.
3 Xiaomi Mi Max 3 4/64GB
Different module apertures
Country: China
Average price: 13190 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
New from China with a dual camera of 12 and 5 megapixels. The aperture of the main module is F/1.9, the additional one is F/2.4. Due to the difference in aperture, the camera can blur the background and create bokeh. Xiaomi bought the main module from Sony, and the five-megapixel module from Samsung. The manufacturer has also developed artificial intelligence, whose work is aimed at improving the quality and aesthetics of photographs. Machine learning is a bonus. Phase autofocus with Dual-Pixel function.
The front camera is simpler - 8 megapixels with face recognition function. Reviews of the new product make you want to urgently purchase this model for any task. Only one thing can confuse a potential buyer - size. There is an almost 7-inch screen, which even with the thinnest frames feels large.
2 Samsung Galaxy A6+ 32GB
Best fast lens
Country: Korea
Average price: 14990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
An inexpensive smartphone by Samsung standards with a dual-aperture camera. There are 16+5 megapixels with apertures F/1.7 and F/1.9, respectively. Due to this aperture size, the modules capture more light and perform better in low light conditions. There is a built-in flash and automatic focusing, but it doesn’t come down to optical stabilization.
The front module is no less interesting here. Selfies are taken by a 24MP camera. Yes, permission deserves respect. It’s just a pity that the manufacturer didn’t equip the front camera with autofocus. Aperture – F/1.9. Reviews are full of admiration, but the camera is sometimes criticized for noise in poor light conditions and the “live focus” function not working correctly.
1 Xiaomi Mi 8 6/64GB
Artificial intelligence
Country: China
Average price: 22490 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Gone are the days when the Xiaomi logo on a smartphone meant that the device had a bad camera. Now, in terms of photographic capabilities, flagships from enterprising Chinese can compete with the best camera phones from world brands. Here the manufacturer offers a dual module as the main camera. It has 12 + 12 megapixels, autofocus is fast and works correctly, optical stabilization, macro mode and optical Zoom, capable of bringing the image twice as close.
The aperture of the modules is different: the main module received F/1.80, the secondary one – F/2.40. Reviews praise the pictures taken with the Mi 8 camera, and they surprise with their detail, natural color reproduction, clear contours of objects and competent background blur. All this is thanks not only to the hardware, but also to artificial intelligence, which helps you choose the optimal mode and works its magic on the frame as soon as you click the shutter. This is one of the best phones in the budget up to 20,000 rubles with a good camera.
The best camera phones in the mid-price segment: budget up to 30,000 rubles
3 Meizu 15 4/64GB
3x zoom
Country: China
Average price: 23810 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
Cool model with dual camera. Modules from Sony - 12 and 20 megapixels. The second module with a telephoto lens. There is autofocus (using phase and laser technology), a six-segment flash, optical stabilization and 3x hybrid zoom. Pure optical zoom is enough for a 1.5x magnification, and at 2x and 3x magnification both optics and digital are used. The camera produces clear, detailed photos even in low light conditions.
20 megapixel front module (also Sony). For some reason there is no autofocus. Reviews for this “Meiza” are extremely positive. In any case, the phone costs the 30,000 rubles that are asked for it in stores.
2 OnePlus 6 8/128GB
4-axis optical stabilization
Country: China
Average price: 26990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The flagship of yesteryear from One Plus, which will be relevant for at least a few more years. It’s not only about powerful hardware, but also a good camera, which brought the “Six” into the category of the best camera phones. The phone cannot be called inexpensive - it belongs to the price segment up to 30,000 rubles.
The main camera consists of two sensors of 16 and 20 megapixels. The aperture size is perfectly chosen - F/1.70, so your photos will be bright and clear. There is also autofocus, four-axis optical stabilization, and software for macro shooting. Reviews complain about the camera's protruding eye, but this is the price to pay for good four-axis stabilization. The automatic mode works great, allowing you to create masterpieces in one click. For geeks, there is a manual mode that gives access to many settings. There is a function loved by many - Slow Motion - slow motion. The front camera has 16 megapixels.
1 Xiaomi Mi Mix3 6/128GB
Hidden front camera
Country: China
Average price: 30,690 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
A slider smartphone that will become the best phone for people who love unusual solutions. The main camera has two modules of 12 megapixels. Also autofocus, optical stabilization, macro mode. The video is shot in 4K. Reviews admire the main camera - it deserves to be included in the Mi Mix 3 list of the best camera phones. Even in the standard camera application there are enough different settings that can easily improve the final photos.
The front camera is the highlight of this flagship. Just not the front camera itself, but its location. The manufacturer gave the entire front surface to the screen, and hid the camera and sensors in a part that extends from above. The front camera has a resolution of 24 megapixels, and this is enough for high-quality video communication and self-care. This is an ideal device for those who can’t stand the “unibrow” at the top of the display.
The best premium camera phones
4 Apple iPhone X 64GB
IR emitter
Country: USA
Average price: 57150 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The flagship from the Apple company boasts an individual processor for the camera, which ensures the performance of artificial intelligence. The IR emitter also deserves attention. First of all, it is designed to identify the user by face, but its abilities are also used to create portrait photographs. The main camera has two 12 megapixel modules. Optical stabilization is available on both sensors.
The manufacturer is also proud of its True Tone Quad-LED flash with Slow Sync technology, which illuminates the foreground without darkening the background. The front camera has become better due to the TrueDepth system - it detects the texture of the subject and adjusts lighting parameters. In the reviews, users are happy with the camera, but express disappointment over the excessively high price and some aspects of the iPhone X’s performance.
3 Samsung Galaxy S9+ 64GB
Adjustable aperture diameter
Country: Korea
Average price: 48,990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
According to the authoritative service DxOmark, this smartphone has one of the best cameras. The main feature of the cameras is a mechanical change in the diameter of the hole through which light enters the matrix. The maximum size is F/1.5, the minimum is F/2.4. In the automatic shooting mode, the aperture size is selected by artificial intelligence, and in the “pro” mode, you can adjust the settings yourself. Samsung does a great job of drawing out detail, creating clear images with distinct contours of objects.
The camera phone can also shoot super slow-motion video without losing quality. The result can be saved in GIF format. The built-in Bixby neural network already recognizes some types of food (fruits, vegetables) and reports its calorie content. Another fun feature is animated emoji. The camera recognizes your facial expressions and transfers them to a drawn character or emoticon.
2 Samsung Galaxy S10 8/128GB
The best camera according to DxOMark (third place in the ranking)
Country: South Korea
Average price: 54890 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Samsung equipped its flagship with a multi-camera and was right. The phone was noticed by the independent magazine DxOMark, tested it and ranked it among the top best camera phones. Laurels of glory went to both the main camera and the front one. Three rear cameras with a resolution of 16, 12 and 12 megapixels - telephoto, wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle. The dual aperture resists poor lighting and takes good pictures even in dark conditions.
The front camera is single and has 10 megapixels. It has ultra-fast focusing, face detection and live focus. Dual Pixel sensor is your savior for shooting on the go. It takes clear photos with the front camera, even when you move. The front camera can also shoot in 4K UHD. Previously, this was only available to the main cameras. This is by no means a budget smartphone, but it is a cool smartphone with equally cool cameras.
1 HUAWEI P30 Pro
10x hybrid zoom
Country: China
Average price: 56,870 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The flagship camera phone, which does not have a budget price in the premium category. The fact that the main camera is good can be seen even with a superficial glance - there are three eyes 40 + 20 + 8 MP. The Leica optics package includes a telephoto, super sensitive, ultra wide angle and TOF lenses. With 10x hybrid zoom, you can finally take a decent photo of the big moon. The manufacturer assures that the quality will not be lost - optical stabilization and artificial intelligence will not allow this.
Huawei also installed a spectral sensor, which, together with a processor and a smart algorithm, makes photos brighter and more detailed. The top ISO value is as much as 409600. This means that even in poor lighting you will capture vibrant colors without loss of saturation. Portrait shots are another strong point of this phone. Bokeh effect and blurred background are available by default.
